Is taking 4 classes in the summer too much?

pinkiepie_RN · May 26, 2012

Oh dear lord! Summer classes are hard enough being accelerated and all, but an 11-credit course load? Unless you've done this before, I wouldn't recommend it. It sounds great to get that much out of the way, but I struggled taking two 4 credit classes simultaneously over the summer as an undergrad and I was a good student. Those online classes can be a challenge in and of themselves. I think I would take communications and psychology, but not pathophysiology and pharmacology too over the summer.

Just my $0.02.

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · May 26, 2012

I love online classes and take them as often as I can. I find them easier than traditional classroom classes. That being said, while I find them easier, they are often way more time consuming.

To me I see a lot of paper writing in the Interpersonal communication and the lifespan psychology. And having taken several online gen ed classes I see a pretty good size final paper for psych that is probably a big part of your grade. (That's just my experience)

Could I do it..sure...would I do it..doubtful, unless I absolutely had to take those classes at once (ie: unable to graduate on time).

Whispera, MSN, RN · May 26, 2012

You are a glutton for punishment! Pharm and Patho compressed into 6 weeks---YIKES! My brain can't hold that much or process it adequately that fast. Add the other 2 courses, and you will be a busy person!! Maybe you want to get the courses done and aren't too worried about learning what they throw at you?

It can be done, but I wouldn't do it myself...

rubato, ASN, RN · May 26, 2012

We aren't you, so we can't answer that for you. Each person is different. I took 9 credit hours last summer and had no problem. There were 2 women in one of my classes who were taking 10 credit hours. They had to get approval through the college. Are units credit hours? If so, that's going to be a hard schedule. If you have no job, no spouse or kids, sure you can do it. But, you'd have to be a pretty serious student. You won't be hanging out at the pool all day. I'm taking 8 credit hours this summer and I'm starting to think I will be dropping something. I start the nursing program in the fall, and I'd like a lighter summer, so I may bring it down to 5 credit hours.

Only you know what you can handle. Good luck whatever you choose.

♑ Capricorn ♑ · May 26, 2012

I'm signed up to take 4 classes over this summer. Will it be too much for me? They are semester length in the course of 6 weeks and as follows:
Interpersonal Communication (Speech) - 3 units
Lifespan Psychology - 3 units
Pharmocology (online) - 2 units
Pathophysiology (online) - 3 units
Thanks!

I personally wouldn't want to do that. Too much for you? Maybe. I wouldn't be worried so much about the Communication and Psychology class, but the Pharmacology and Pathophysiology..well. :no: Not in 6 weeks.

sunnyd_83 · May 26, 2012

Not sure, but I'll be taking 12 credits this Summer along with the rest of my DE program classmates. I'm just starting this Summer so I'm not sure of the success rate, though I think it's pretty high. We're taking patho and health assessment during 1st Summer session and normal/therapeutic nutrition and foundation of nursing (with clinical) during the 2nd Summer session. I'm thinking it is most certainly doable if you devote your entire Summer to class and studying. Doesn't sound like fun at all, but...

2011nursetobe · May 26, 2012

You're gonna kill yourself! Each summer class is equivalent work of 2 fall/spring classes. So by taking 4 classes, it will be the work equivalent of taking 8 classes! Ouch! Hope you have a lot of time on your hands, and good luck :)

ImKosher · May 26, 2012

Summer courses are accelerated. I'm with the others on a "no-go" hands down.

Stephalump · May 26, 2012

I'd say it depends on how you normally do in a regular semester. If you're barely pulling good grades, I wouldn't do it.

I personally love summer classes. I find it easy to stay on top of the material because there's the constant pressure of weekly testing and bombarding info...no time to get comfortable, procrastinate, and get behind. And then it's over. But as many times as this question is asked, we really can't give an answer. It's totally up to you to decide.

futurehomebirthcnm · May 27, 2012

I would say yes, that is too much to expect pretty much anyone to learn in six weeks. You _might_ pass all of them, but probably just barely--and probably be overstressed the whole time--so if your GPA is at all a concern, I'd definitely vote for dropping to down to two classes.

shay&lynn, ASN, RN · May 27, 2012

Not knowing you and your study habits I can not say...but for me? A big no!!! I took Pharm in 15 weeks and sometimes that was rough! I am only taking Patho this summer (8 week course) and know its going to be rough...do I can only imagine adding 3 classes to that...

Also, you need to understand the material, especially Patho and Pharm since you will use this thru out your career...with taking all of the classes, for me, I wouldn't be able to do it.

Best of luck!